One of our biggest tools for troubleshooting are tech sheets. These contain all the information we generally need to see the appliance’s circuitry, how to enter diagnostic mode, specifications…you get the picture.
Keep in mind though, that schematic diagrams and wiring diagrams are different things. They may at first pass look similar, with lines connecting the components of the appliance together, and some people use their names interchangeably. However, they are used for different purposes.
Always remember:
- The schematic diagram is for identifying circuits. You use it to see which loads and switches are in series or parallel and where they are connected to on the boards. This is your primary troubleshooting document.
- The wiring diagram is for physically locating wires and components in the appliance itself. If you are doing circuit analysis, do not use the wiring diagram. You will drive yourself insane. When you need to find a particular wire on the appliance, this is your guide.
Now some manufacturers’ schematics can be, shall we say, less than clear. This requires you the tech to fill in the blanks, pulling from your vast reservoir of electrical and circuit mojo and the rest of the info on the tech sheet.
Watch the video below to see an example of schematic vs. wiring diagrams and using multiple documents to get the full picture:
As you saw, we needed to use multiple diagrams to get a picture of the components related to the door lock, which was a key component in the problem. Sometimes you as the tech have to use all the tech docs available to fill in the blanks left by others.
Tech sheets are your friend as a tech, but they will never be able to troubleshoot for you. You have to use your brainpower! Be aware of the different uses of schematics and wiring diagrams (9 times out of 10, you will be using the schematic) and don’t be afraid to pull together all the info in the tech sheet, even when the manufacturer does not spell it out for you. It’s up to you as the tech to apply tech mojo and Circuit Fu™.
We teach you circuits, electrical testing, how to read schematics and use them to troubleshoot according to a system. We do all this in our Core Appliance Repair Training course. Enroll today and begin your journey to Appliance Repair Mastery.